Geri Halliwell is to replace her former Spice Girls bandmate Melanie Brown as a judge on Australia's Got Talent.

The singer has been named as the fourth judge on the show, alongside British comic Dawn French, singer-songwriter Timomatic - who was a contestant on the show - and Australian radio and TV personality Kyle Sandilands.

In an interview for an Australian TV network, Halliwell said she was "excited" to start work.

"Shows like that are brilliant and I love the opportunity they give to normal, everyday people," she said.

"Plus, I get to come to Australia."

Brown had to leave the show after a contract dispute

The star, who used to be known as Ginger Spice, is reportedly planning to take her daughter, six-year-old Bluebell, to Australia with her while she is filming.

And she may become the panel's mother-figure after claiming she does not plan on being a "mean" judge.

"I think it's unnecessary to be mean for the sake of being mean, but I do believe you have to be truthful, but with love," she said.

Brown had to leave Australia's Got Talent due to a contract dispute with rival broadcaster Channel 7, which produces another of her shows, Australian X Factor.

But according to Halliwell, she has her former bandmate's blessing: "She actually said, 'I just want you to know I think you should do it cause you're gonna have a great time'."